"Brian" wrote in message news:...
I have lived with walled gardens all of my gardening life. They must be
quite large and have innumerable advantages. Half an acre I would have
thought and walls up to 12' high.The walls are all used to grow plants
that
would have needed a better climate than available. The walls act as
reservoirs for heat and this is available to the relatively delicate trees
grown as espaliers and fans against them. These trees would not survive or
fruit without this protection.They are also widely used for lean-to
glasshouses. Even the North facing walls are used for Morello cherries and
quinces. Don't forget that all walls have two sides so that the outside of
the garden is also used.The walls also alter the flow of the wind so that
it
is not so destructive.
I would suggest that a well managed walled garden can produce equivalent
to other gardens two or three hundred miles more southerly-- all other
aspects being equal. It is also pleasant to be able to close and lock a
door at the end of the day or even to have sat and relaxed without being
seen when should have been working!!
Best Wishes Brian.
"Thalocean2" wrote in message
...
I've long wondered about 'The Secret Garden' and references to walled
'kitchen' gardens in the UK which pre-date the Victorian era by 500
yrs or so. Our veg (and flower) patches are in the most open areas we
can find. Full sun! Full sun! With a significantly lower amount of
direct sun, *why* did Brits wall their gardens?


Maybe to keep out small animals and starving neighbor children?

Laura B.